Barcelona hand first professional contract to ‘future first-team goalkeeper’

With the 2023/24 campaign recently coming to an end, Barcelona have already kickstarted their preparation for the season ahead.

While Barça are expected to bring in multiple new faces, the club are also keen on getting the most out of a flourishing youth academy that has produced many talents in recent years.

Iker Rodriguez signs professional deal

Barcelona appear to have already made a significant move in their bid to safeguard the future of the next generation of talents.

According to SPORT, the Catalans have secured a professional contract for goalkeeping prodigy Iker Rodriguez.

The 16-year-old talent was plying his trade for Barcelona’s U16 team this past season. But he will play for Juvenil B next season, marking a crucial step in the player’s bid to make a professional breakthrough.

One for the future?

Barcelona’s plans for Iker Rodriguez range beyond just the youth levels. The Catalans see Iker Rodriguez as a prospect for the future – someone who can establish himself as a first-team option in the years to come.

Although Barcelona are currently in no need of reinforcements in the goalkeeping department, it must be noted that Marc-Andre ter Stegen will soon reach the final phase of his career.

Barcelona had Arnau Tenas as an exciting future prospect, but the Spaniard opted to join PSG on a free transfer. The club, therefore, would require a new young goalkeeper in the senior team and that is where Iker Rodriguez could come into the fray.

However, these are still early days for Iker and the youngster must focus on maintaining his rapid development in Juvenil B if he is to stand a chance of making a breakthrough in the future.